Cook

Under direct supervision, performs all functions pertaining to the preparing of meals and snacks for residents including following menus to prepare and cook foods, providing drinks, and cleaning of kitchen area, equipment and utensils.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares meals, drinks, and snacks;
• Follows standardized recipes and portion control to maintain cost, inventory, and nutrient requirements;
• Documents and follows procedures in the areas of receiving, storing, preparing, cooking, serving, holding, cooling and reheating foods and liquids;
• Stores leftovers;
• Ensures that storage areas, both refrigerated, frozen and dry, are maintained at proper temperatures;
• Cleans and sanitizes kitchen area and equipment;
• Counts and secures all potentially dangerous kitchen utensils;
• Assists in freight deliveries

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• May be required to assist with any or all duties performed by the kitchen staff, including serving, or to training employees who perform such work; and
• Performs related duties as required.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• Must possess or acquire Food Handler’s certificate;
• Prior experience as a cook or server preferred, preferably for large groups;
• Knowledge of basic math skills, cooking terms and measurement equivalents;
• Knowledge of health and sanitation regulations, principles and practices as they relate to food service;
• Knowledge of regulations and expectations to prevent resident abuse and exploitation;
• Skill in the preparation of meals;
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions;
• Ability to keep daily records;
• Ability to work with diverse populations including age, those with mental illness, memory loss diagnosis, and/or physical impairments;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members and managers;
• Ability to clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment in an institutional setting;
• Ability to use sharp instruments safely.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, residents, and families;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a criminal background check;
• Must wear apron and hairnet;
• Must keep hands clean at all times while engaged in preparing and serving food and drink. Hands shall be rewashed each time the employee returns to the kitchen from other activities in the facility. Gloves will be used when serving meals.
• This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to do repeated hand and arm movements, chopping, lifting, reaching over head, standing for extended periods of time, able to bend, stoop, use a step stool and work on wet slippery surfaces, able to work around extreme heat and steam in the cooking area;
• Must have sufficient physical ability to: stock food; prepare, cook and serve proper meals and clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment;
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time;
• Must have sufficient physical ability to lift up to 35 pounds.

DISCLAIMER

The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. 

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